Night Walk in the Mercantour National Park

The Mercantour National Park in southeastern France offers a captivating nighttime adventure for visitors seeking to enjoy the region’s stunning natural landscapes. The Night Walk, a 3.5-hour guided tour, promises an exceptional experience for both families and nature enthusiasts, inviting them to explore the park’s tranquil trails while learning about the wonders of astronomy and local wildlife. Priced at a reasonable $33.58 per person, this excursion provides a unique opportunity to disconnect from the distractions of everyday life and connect with the serene beauty of the night sky, an International Dark Sky Reserve. What awaits those who embark on this enchanting journey?

Key Points

• The night walk in Mercantour National Park offers a 3.5-hour immersive experience, priced from $33.58 per person, and is guided in both French and English.
• The activity takes place in an International Dark Sky Reserve, providing exceptional night sky viewing and learning about the local wildlife and astronomy.
• The easy terrain makes the night walk suitable for children aged 7 and up, providing an engaging and educational experience for families.
• Participants are required to wear warm, layered clothing and bring a headlamp, while baby strollers, bikes, and alcohol are prohibited.
• The activity can be easily accessed from the nearby towns of Allos or Colmars les Alpes, with a car journey of up to 30 minutes.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The night walk in Mercantour National Park offers an immersive experience within a preserved natural environment.

Priced from $33.58 per person, the 3.5-hour adventure is led by a live guide in French and English. Participants can enjoy the exceptional night sky, one of the purest in France and Europe, and observe celestial objects in an International Dark Sky Reserve.

The easy walk is suitable for children aged 7 and up, with a car journey of up to 30 minutes from Allos or Colmars les Alpes.

Guests are advised to dress warmly and bring appropriate hiking gear, while certain items like baby strollers and alcohol are prohibited.

Price and Duration

This activity is priced from $33.58 per person, offering an affordable way for visitors to enjoy the natural wonders of Mercantour National Park. The 3.5-hour night walk is led by a live guide who shares their expertise in French and English.

Feature	Details
Price	From $33.58 per person
Duration	3.5 hours
Language	Live guide in French and English
Cancellation	Free up to 24 hours in advance
Departure Time	Before dusk, varies by season

This immersive experience allows participants to observe the exceptional night sky and celestial objects in an International Dark Sky Reserve, making it a unique and memorable adventure.

Languages and Cancellation

Live guides lead this night walk in both French and English, allowing guests from various backgrounds to fully participate and appreciate the experience.

With the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, travelers can easily plan their schedules and receive a full refund if their plans change.

This flexibility ensures that guests can book the activity with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if necessary without incurring any penalties.

The multilingual guidance and generous cancellation terms make this night walk in the Mercantour National Park accessible and convenient for a wide range of visitors.

Highlights of the Experience

Immersing visitors in a preserved natural environment, the night walk provides an exceptional opportunity to observe the pristine night sky.

Guided by Marc, an expert with deep knowledge of astronomy, guests will marvel at the International Dark Sky Reserve status of the Mercantour region, which boasts some of the purest starry skies in France and Europe.

Key highlights include:

• Observation of celestial objects, from planets to constellations, enhanced by Marc’s expert commentary
• A serene, immersive stroll through the untouched landscape, away from light pollution
• Opportunities to learn about the night sky and local wildlife from an experienced guide
• An unforgettable experience under the dazzling, unspoiled Milky Way
• A chance to disconnect from everyday life and connect with the natural world.

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Suitable for Children

The night walk in Mercantour National Park is suitable for children aged 7 and above. This outdoor adventure offers an engaging and educational experience for young adventurers. The easy 3-hour walk is appropriate for children, and the guided tour provides insights into astronomy and the natural surroundings.

Highlights for Children
Observe celestial objects	Learn about the night sky
Discover the local flora and fauna	Engage in hands-on activities

The park’s International Dark Sky Reserve status ensures an exceptional viewing of the night sky, allowing children to explore the wonders of the universe. With proper attire and preparation, families can enjoy this immersive nature experience together.

Travel and Departure Time

To reach the night walk in Mercantour National Park, visitors generally require a car journey from the nearby towns of Allos or Colmars les Alpes, taking no more than 30 minutes.

The exact departure time for the activity varies by season, but it’s always scheduled to start before dusk. This ensures participants can fully enjoy the park’s serene natural environment and exceptional night sky during the guided stroll.

Key things to keep in mind:

• Departure time is set to capture the optimal dark sky conditions
• The activity lasts approximately 3.5 hours in total
• Warm, layered clothing and a headlamp are recommended
• The terrain is considered easy, suitable for most age groups
• Guests should arrive prepared to embark on the night adventure.

Recommended Attire and Gear

Preparing for the evening’s adventure in Mercantour National Park requires thoughtful consideration of one’s attire and gear.

The night walk calls for warm, windproof layers to combat the cooler temperatures. Sturdy walking shoes, thick pants, and multiple clothing pieces are essential. A backpack to carry personal belongings, gloves, a hat, and a headlamp (which can be borrowed) are recommended.

Plus, hikers should bring water or a hot drink, as well as snacks, to sustain them during the 3-hour trek. While proper hiking shoes, long pants, and outdoor clothing are a must, certain items are prohibited, such as baby strollers, bikes, alcohol, and audio recording devices.

Restrictions and Prohibited Items

Certain restrictions and prohibited items apply to the night walk in Mercantour National Park.

The activity isn’t suitable for children under 7, people with altitude sickness, babies under 1 year, or individuals over 95 years.

Prohibited items include:

• Baby strollers
• Bikes
• Alcohol and drugs
• Baby carriages
• Electric wheelchairs
• Fireworks
• Audio recording devices
• Bare feet

These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants, as well as to protect the fragile ecosystem of the national park.

Adherence to these guidelines is essential for a successful and memorable night walk experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Safety Measures in Place During the Night Walk?

The night walk has several safety measures in place, including a guided tour led by an expert, suitable for children 7+, and restrictions on prohibited items like baby strollers and alcohol. Participants are advised to dress warmly and bring necessary gear for the hike.

Can Participants Take Photographs During the Tour?

Participants are allowed to take photographs during the tour, but the use of audio recording devices is prohibited. The night walk is designed to provide an immersive, distraction-free experience in the natural environment.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available Along the Trail?

There are no restroom facilities available along the 3-hour night walk trail. Participants are advised to plan accordingly and prepare for the duration of the experience in the remote natural setting of the Mercantour National Park.

Can People With Physical Disabilities Participate in the Night Walk?

People with physical disabilities can generally participate, but the activity may not be suitable for those with severe mobility issues. Participants must be able to walk for 3 hours on uneven terrain without assistance.

Is It Possible to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The tour duration can’t be extended, as it’s a fixed 3.5 hour experience. The activity isn’t flexible in terms of timing. However, guests can explore the park further on their own after the guided night walk concludes.

Recap

The Night Walk in Mercantour National Park offers an enchanting experience for nature enthusiasts. With guided tours in French and English, visitors can explore the stunning landscapes, learn about astronomy and local wildlife, and connect with nature in an International Dark Sky Reserve. Suitable for children aged 7 and up, this 3.5-hour adventure provides exceptional views of the night sky away from light pollution, making it a must-visit for those seeking a captivating outdoor experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: